Fusarium Update

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is well established in Ontario, Manitoba and Eastern Saskatchewan grain crops. Also called scab, this disease has now moved into western Saskatchewan and parts of Alberta as well. Alberta has a Fusarium graminearium management plan which defines a prevention and control strategy. FHB is caused by Fusarium graminearum, a fungus that produces a mycotoxin called deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as vomitoxin. Seed infected with DON cannot be sold into the food market and can cause serious health problems if fed to livestock.

We have created several maps to look at the movement of Fusarium in Alberta over the past 4 years based on samples submitted to the laboratory including a Fusarium risk map.

Note: These maps provide an estimate only and are based on submitted samples not on actual surveys. Submitted samples may not always originate from the same location as the location of the person or organization submitting the sample.

Red counties have had Positive results on the plate test. They are at the highest risk of seeing Fusarium graminearum infections in the future. Yellow counties have had positive DNA tests, but negative plate results. These are likely late season, low level infections. Growers in these counties probably need to be the most cautious since it is starting to move into the area. All best management practices should be followed. White counties have not had any positive Fusarium tests.

2017

2014 Growing Season

This map shows the % of samples that tested positive using the plate method for each county in Alberta from the 2014 growing season.

2013 Growing Season

This map shows the % of samples that tested positive using the plate method for each county in Alberta from the 2013 growing season.

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